Who is Jakub Kiwior? Many Arsenal fans have been asking on Google as the Gunners close in on a deal for the Polish defender.
As detailed by Polish news outlet Meczyki and Fabrizio Romano, the north Londoners have agreed a fee in the region of €20m (£18m) with Spezia for the 22-year-old.
It comes after Arsenal also struck an agreement with Brighton over a deal for Leandro Trossard.
So, who is Jakub Kiwior? Let’s take a look…
Who is Jakub Kiwior?
Well, very few people outside of Italy know much about Kiwior.
However, we strongly believe he will become a household name in no time – his potential is frightening.
Kiwior has been described as “extraordinary” by his fellow Pole Robert Lewandowski, which speaks volumes given the level of talent the Polish striker has played alongside at Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
As quoted by Citta Della Spezia, the Barcelona No.9 said: “Listen to me, this is a real player. I noticed it during the warm-up before the match against the Netherlands. In training, it’s very difficult to see certain things. I asked, ‘but who is he?’ Then I saw him in the match, extraordinary. Really great potential.”
Standing at 6 ft 2 in, the Spezia No.14 has proven himself to be a versatile figure throughout his short career.
Kiwior has played as a defensive midfielder and also at left-back in the past, although his best position comes as a left sided centre-back, where he can use his stronger left foot to good effect.
In that respect, the Polish wonderkid is expected to compete with Gabriel Magalhaes for a place in the starting XI under Mikel Arteta.
Kiwior has won nine caps for Poland, and played all but three minutes for his country at the World Cup as they suffered defeat to France in the Round of 16.
A product of the Anderlecht academy in Belgium – which also produced Albert Sambi Lokonga – Kiwior has amassed 132 appearances at club level in his career so far.
Jakub Kiwior profile
Full name: Jakub Piotr Kiwior
Age: 22
Height: 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
Date of birth: 15th February 2000
Nationality: Poland
Place of birth: Tychy
Club: Spezia (Arsenal – subject to medical)
Position: Centre-back
Salary: £2,189-a-week (Arsenal wages TBC)
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